Rail Infrastructure Monitoring Service Replacement

Descriptions

Network Rail collects infrastructure monitoring data primarily from a fleet of dedicated infrastructure monitoring trains, commonly known as ‘the yellow fleet’. It is well recognised that the existing monitoring fleet is outdated, unpredictable, and ready for retirement. Our vision, as discussed in previous engagements, is to procure a comprehensive service that will replace the existing methods of collection, manage operations, and deliver the necessary output data to Network Rail. Network Rail is agnostic to the method of data collection and believes that, over time, this could evolve into a hybrid approach combining both train and non-train borne collection methods. We are particularly interested in understanding new and innovative non-train borne methods for monitoring railway infrastructure, both now and in the future. This could include, but is not limited to, railroad vehicles, drones, robots, and satellites. Innovation must be at the forefront of any solution we adopt as we aim to transform the way we collect and use data for infrastructure monitoring.